Thatcham Research praises hydrogen Hilux

Thatcham Research has praised Toyota’s prototype hydrogen fuel cell variant of its Hilux pick-up as a benchmark in sustainable vehicle design strategy.

The pick-up was developed as part of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing-led project, is a collaborative effort to pioneer zero-emission technology in the commercial vehicle market.

Throughout the design and prototype build phases, Thatcham Research provided valuable insights focused on safe and sustainable repair. It is also building a training suite to drive dedicated hydrogen skills and awareness of safe handling practices into the repair ecosystem.

Mark Fry, Thatcham Research’s engineering manager, said: “By bringing together a consortium of skilled partners to not only transform the Hilux but also consider future customers and wider market requirements, this project makes for an excellent case study in sustainable vehicle design. Toyota’s comprehensive approach goes beyond the technical intricacies of the conversion to consider factors such as Total Cost of Ownership, insurance risk rating and repairability, all of which are vital to creating a positive ownership experience for any new vehicle.”

Fry continued: “It is important that the commercial vehicle market is catered for in the drive for zero emission vehicles. The fuel cell Hilux provides an alternative solution to Battery Electric Vehicles, offering diversity in vehicles and powertrains.”

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